The unconfirmed report which has been passed on via WhatsApp claimed that he passed away at Takka in Myanmar.

“Died an hour a go due to diabetic stroke,” the message from one Tenno Pheiray said.

Zoram Observer cannot independently verify the claim at this time.

Some messages on social media also claimed that SS Brig. Peyong will take over as Chairman of NSCN(K). Meanwhile, there is no word either from Indian and Myanmar officials.

The screenshot taken from a WhatsApp message.

Khaplang, a veteran Naga leader, has been known to have health issues in the past. However, no statement has been made by the Naga underground outfit.

Since the slip of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland on April 30, 1988, Khaplang has been leading the NSCN(K) which has is more nationalist and hardline in their movement as compared to Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah faction NSCN(I-M).

A 77-year-old Naga leader emerged as the most dreaded militant leader in the Northeast after most of the powerful groups like NSCN(I-M) and ULFA signed a ceasefire agreement with the Indian government.

Shangwang Shangyung Khaplang was born in April 1940 in Waktham village, east of Myanmar’s Pangsau Pass. He has 10 siblings and also heads the United Liberation Front of Western South East Asia (UNLFW) which claimed an attack on security forces in June 4 ambush in Manipur.

Coming from a Hemi Naga tribe of Myanmar, Khaplang reportedly has two homes – one in China’s Yunan province and another in Myanmar. He has four children and their whereabouts are not clear.